Toys 'R' Us is to take over the Highcross unit vacated when the Disney Store pulled out last weekend.

The toy and games shop is one of a number of new outlets set to open inside the Leicester shopping centre in the coming months, which will include a new travel agency, a fitted bedroom business and a new snack outlet.

It will be Leicester's second Toys R Us store, with the other just outside the inner ring road in St George's Retail Park.

The ground floor Disney Store in Highcross closed its doors last week despite more than 1,300 shoppers signing a petition to save it.

The company announced last month that the branch would cease trading in early January.

The Toys 'R' Us at St George's Retail Park

Talks between Highcross management and Disney also failed to reach an agreement that would see it stay.

A spokeswoman for Disney said the Disney Store portfolio was constantly being evaluated to ensure branches were in the right sites.

Highcross general manager Jo Tallack said Toys 'R' Us was a welcome addition to its selection of children's and lifestyle brands.

She said a branch of Barrhead Travel was also set to open in the coming months, offering holidays, cruises, city breaks, flights and hotel deals.

Bedroom furniture and home office specialists Sharps Bedrooms will also be coming to the centre, taking space on the lower mall near Debenhams.

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A Fenwick spokesman said the traditional city centre retail area – a key part of Leicester's history – had seen much of its once thriving footfall diverted to Highcross and Fosse Park "which are served by modern, purpose-built car parks".

The company said other areas in the city, such as Gallowtree Gate and Granby Street, have been affected in the same way.

It added that the rise of online shopping had also affected trade for all retailers on the high street.